Eye in the Sky: New Tech Enhancing Public Safety

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have quickly evolved from niche tools to mainstream technology, influencing numerous industries and everyday activities. Their ability to provide aerial perspectives, collect data, and perform tasks autonomously drives widespread adoption.

As drones continue to gain popularity, their impact on communities and county services will only grow. They will offer new possibilities and reshape the way counties serve their residents.

Across the nation, county public safety agencies are increasingly using drones for emergency response and disaster management.

Drones can quickly reach areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access, providing real-time aerial footage and situational awareness. They assist in search and rescue operations, firefighting, and monitoring hazardous situations, ultimately saving lives and resources.

Despite their many benefits for public safety, widespread use raises significant concerns about privacy, security, and operational risks. Accordingly, it is paramount to balance drone technology’s benefits with the need to protect civil liberties and safety.

MACo Summer Conference Session — Eye in the Sky: New Tech Enhancing Public Safety 

Public safety is paramount for county governments in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Drones have emerged as a transformative force in public safety. Drones offer unparalleled aerial views, providing first responders and law enforcement agencies with real-time situational awareness during emergencies, natural disasters, and large-scale events. However, the widespread use of drones and other new technologies raises privacy concerns and comes with new regulatory challenges. In this session, an expert panel will share best practices and implementation strategies for leveraging new technologies to enhance public safety.

Speakers:

  • The Honorable Dawn Luedtke, Council Member, Montgomery County
  • Tony Galladora, Deputy Commander, Montgomery County Police Department
  • Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst, ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project

Moderator: The Honorable Luke Clippinger, Chair, Judiciary Committee, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024; 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Turning the Tide,” is August 14-17, 2024, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: